Profcasting and e-tivities: blending personal audio broadcasting and online groupwork Dr Palitha Edirisingha and Professor Gilly Salmon University of Leicester

research questions 1. How does students’ learning supported by podcasting differ from their learning through structured campus or e-learning processes? Does podcasting assist with student motivation? Is their learning more flexible, easier or successful? 2. What kinds of quality pedagogical applications can be developed for podcasting through MP3 players to students for their informal use within formal HE modules? Can students switch from using MP3 players for entertainment to learning? 3. What are the psychological, social and institutional barriers to and advantages of more informal learning using podcasting?

Workshop outline The case study at University of Leicester Work-in-progress findings students’ use of podcasts and e-tivities contribution to learning Hands on activities combining podcasts and e-tivities

From research on mobile learning New tools that can support learning addressing specific needs and cognitive abilities of diverse learners situated and authentic learning experiences personal nature of learning (Sharples, 2001; Kukulska-Hulme and Traxler, 2005; JISC, 2005; Taylor et al, forthcoming; Sariola and Rionka, 2003; Plant, 2001)

The case study module A second and third year undergraduate module ‘Optical Fibre Communication Systems’ Content delivery - online, a weekly f2f meeting 30 campus-based students, 2nd and 3rd year 12 weeks from 23 January 4 sections, each 3 weeks end of section online assignments

The module on the VLE

Students use of profcasts

8/26/2019 Gilly Salmon

STUDENTS talk about profcasting “This is actual e-learning innit… not just some pdf to print off” Good use of time Help orgnaise learning activities Flexible Great format Stimulates interest/topical Motivational & positive attitude Enjoyment! Tuning in weekly E-skills development Supports & complements other aspects of the module Choice/preferred setting/context for learning Take ‘seriously’ distinguish between learning and music! Focus “it is more informal, it is different feeling, not having to sit down with a pen and take notes, at the same time you understand what he says”

STUDENTS talk about e-tivities “People post different notes, so we can do a comparison and broadens our perspective of what the optical fibre is. ... a good way to share knowledge.” “I really like group work and I enjoy the design as well. You meet up and discuss it and you give ideas.” “… you are working in a team and whenever you go for a job interview they always ask you have you done any group projects or group activities.”

Hands on activity developing e-tivities and podcasts

www.le.ac.uk/beyonddistance